DGFT bans export of lithium-ion battery black mass (HS 85491400) with immediate effect
TaxByKK · Compliance News · taxbykk.com10 Nov 2026
In short
DGFT has changed the export policy for ITC (HS) 85491400, waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, unsorted and not containing lead, cadmium or mercury, which the notification names as lithium-ion battery black mass. The policy moves from Free to Prohibited with immediate effect and until further orders. The transitional arrangement in Para 1.05 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 applies, so exporters with shipments already in the pipeline should check what that paragraph protects.
- Authority
- Directorate General of Foreign Trade
- Notification
- No. 49/2026-27
- Date
- 10 November 2026
- Type
- Export policy notification
- ITC (HS) code
- 8549 1400, Schedule II (Export Policy)
- Effective from
- Immediately, until further orders
- Law
- Section 3 read with Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992; Paras 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023
What changed
| Item | Before | Now |
|---|---|---|
| Export policy, ITC (HS) 85491400: waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators; spent primary cells, spent primary batteries and spent electric accumulators; unsorted and not containing lead, cadmium or mercury | Free | Prohibited |
The notification gives no reason for the change. It does not define black mass beyond the tariff description, and it does not name any exemption.
Who it applies to
- Battery recyclers and traders who export black mass
- Customs brokers and freight forwarders handling battery scrap
- Exporters with orders or letters of credit already issued
- CAs, lawyers and trade advisers
What to do
- Stop booking export orders for this item and check pending shipments against Para 1.05 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 (transitional arrangement).
- Check whether your goods fall under 85491400 (unsorted, no lead, cadmium or mercury) or under another code with a different policy.
- Review contracts for force majeure or change-in-law terms.
Reference
DGFT Notification No. 49/2026-27 dated 10 November 2026, Amendment in Export Policy of Waste and Scrap of Primary Cells, Primary Batteries and Electric Accumulators (Lithium-Ion Battery Black Mass) under ITC (HS) 85491400.
Read the official PDF: DGFT Notification 49/2026-27Written by TaxByKK from the official notification. Check the official text before you act on it.
Frequently asked questions
Can lithium-ion battery black mass still be exported?
Not under ITC (HS) 85491400: the export policy is now Prohibited with immediate effect and until further orders.
What was the earlier policy?
Free.
Does the notification protect shipments already in transit?
It says the transitional arrangement in Para 1.05 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 applies; the details are in that paragraph, not in the notification.